A tale of two warring empires

CHENNAI: At a point when two states are at loggerheads over a dam, a Yakshagana performance to promote national integration couldn't have been more timely. Staged at the Youth Hostel auditorium in Indira Nagar on Saturday, the tale of two warring kingdoms over a piece of land, certainly struck a chord with the audienceThe Millenium Media, a Bengaluru-based NGO, brought to the stage Yakshagana, a traditional form of musical theatre from Karnataka. Beyond the royal headgear (kirita) and costumes, which were vibrant with colour, the story of two kingdoms battling over land drew an uncanny resemblance to the ongoing Mullaiperiyar dam dispute. Along the way of course, there is a love story intertwined. In the end, 'Bharat Mata' (Mother India) saves the day, prevents a war, and peace is made. Perhaps, a suggestion to two governments to put 'Bharat Mata' ahead of individual agendas?While Yakshagana is usually depicted by mythological themes, this freshly brewed innovation is a confluence of the Artists of Karnataka Kala Darshini, in association with the Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.  G Moses, founder of The Millenium Media, said, “We started performances with the theme, 'National Integration' in Karnataka two years ago. The goal is to take this event to 12 states in 2012, bringing together local artistes from each state.”This was followed by another dance performance, courtesy a nine-member local troupe from the Triveni School of Dance, Thiruvanmiyur. Vinayan, founder of the school, explains, “We have put together dance forms from three states — Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kaikotikalli (Kerala) and Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh). They will be blended together in one song.” He further elaborates, “A few members in our troupe are students from Argentina and Brazil. So, we represent international integration as well.”Despite captivating artistic expressions in the live singing and electric forms of dance, there were few takers in the audience for a Saturday evening concert. Moses said, “We hope to come again to Chennai and perform in a larger space and spread this theme to more people.”